October 4, 2026 — After nearly a month without new public updates, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) has posted fresh highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 detections in dairy cattle and poultry, signaling renewed viral activity as autumn progresses.
New Dairy Herd Detections
USDA-APHIS data now show:
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Three new H5N1-positive dairy herds: two in Texas and one in Utah.
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These additions bring the 2026 year-to-date total to 85 confirmed dairy herds across multiple states.
The detections reinforce the importance of the National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS), which combines silo-tank testing at dairy processing plants with state-specific surveillance and mandatory interstate-movement testing for lactating dairy cattle.aphis.usda+1
New Poultry Outbreaks
In poultry, USDA-APHIS has confirmed several new HPAI H5N1 outbreaks:
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South Dakota:
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A commercial breeding operation in Edmunds County (~29,700 birds).
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A second outbreak in Brule County (~2,800 birds).
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Idaho: Two smaller outbreaks in Ada and Canyon counties.
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Additional two commercial and three backyard flock outbreaks reported nationally over the same period.
Risk Assessment and Guidance
Federal agencies continue to emphasize that:
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Pasteurized milk and properly cooked poultry and eggs remain safe for consumers.
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Primary risk is for dairy and poultry workers, veterinarians, and backyard flock owners with direct exposure to infected animals or environments.
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No confirmed human-to-human transmission of H5N1 has been detected in the United States to date.
